Heading to the desert alone always raises the same questions.
How do you get there without a car?
Is it safe?
Will you end up cut off from the rest of the world for three days?
In Merzouga, the answer largely comes down to one phrase: the shared group.
Merzouga, in south-eastern Morocco in the Tafilalet region, is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, a sea of dunes rising to over 150 metres.
For a solo traveller, most of the journey and logistics rely on already-organised tours, which greatly simplifies planning.
To compare options before you go, see our complete guide to Morocco's deserts.
Is it safe to visit Merzouga solo?
Travelling to Merzouga solo attracts more backpackers every year thanks to the simplicity of the logistics: just join a shared group tour from Marrakech or Fès to enjoy full guidance without having to hire a vehicle or negotiate transport on site.
Crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas (2,260 m above sea level) is a spectacular experience from the very first day.
Along the way, the stop at the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lets you admire the mud-brick citadel architecture that has served as a backdrop for cinematic masterpieces such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
It is also a chance, when travelling solo, to get to know the other travellers in the group.
What is the route to Merzouga from Marrakech?
Continuing east along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, travellers pass through the Skoura palm grove, the Valley of Roses and the colossal canyons of the Dades and Todra Gorges.
The limestone cliffs of Todra, over 300 metres high, offer a natural refresh before descending towards the desert plain leading to Erfoud and Merzouga.
For a solo traveller, it is advisable to split the journey over 2 to 3 days rather than doing it all in one go, to fully enjoy the landscapes and avoid driver fatigue on winding mountain roads.
How much does an excursion to Merzouga cost solo?
In practical and budgetary terms, the Saharan experience suits every type of solo traveller.
From air-conditioned minibuses for shared group tours to fully equipped VIP minivans with a dedicated driver, crossing southern Morocco is done safely with professional multilingual support from the first day to the last.
Merzouga is also a very accessible destination for solo women travellers: shared group tours bring together a mix of people, and local guides ensure everyone's peace of mind throughout the stay.
What is a night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi like solo?
Arriving at Erg Chebbi in the late afternoon is the most magical moment of the trip.
Camels fitted with nomad saddles take you on a one-and-a-half-hour ride across the fine sand ridges.
At the top of the dunes, the sunset sets the horizon ablaze with scarlet and golden hues.
The night is spent in a traditional or luxury desert camp, with Berber songs and drumming around the campfire.
It is also an ideal setting for desert and Milky Way photography.
How many days should you plan for Merzouga solo from Marrakech?
For all your practical questions before you go, see our complete Merzouga FAQ, which answers the most common questions from solo travellers.
Practical tip
To make the most of Merzouga solo, plan your stay between October and May.
Remember to bring a cotton cheche to protect yourself from sand wind, warm clothes for Saharan nights and a power bank to charge your cameras under the Milky Way.
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